The Mississippi Republican Senate Primary Is The O Brother, Where Art Thou? Election

I'm sorry, what was that?  How is that even possible, you say?  A modern day election is comparable to a Depression Era Southern recreation of The Odyssey?  Yes, it is, and I'll tell you how.   With today being election day in Mississippi, let's take a look at the candidates.

Thad Cochran:  Senator Cochran is the 6 term incumbent U.S. Senator from the State of Mississippi.  He's been in office since 1978!  He's practically an institution in the Magnolia State, but at 76 many claim he's far too old to be in touch with what the people of Mississippi want.  He's brought home millions of dollars in federal money (pork) to Mississippi related to Hurricane Katrina by helping to persuade the government to give $29 Billion to Mississippi.  Who is his O Brother, Where Art Thou? counterpart?  

Governor Pappy O'Daniel:  Throughout the first half of the movie, Pappy is seen as out of touch with the State of Mississippi.  He's often viewed as past his prime, aloof, and frustrated at the upstart who is poised to take his power away.  He was once the pillar of Mississippi, and now he's likely in the twilight of his career.  Don't believe it's true?

He's passed a dozen agricultural bills, but he wonders why people don't think he's a friend to the farmer.  Cochran is the current Ranking Member on the Agricultural Committee.  Agriculture is big in Mississippi, so his status on the committee is vital to the success of his home state.   His opponent; however, is a young brash confident challenger who looks to change the face of the Good Ole Boy system in Mississippi.

Chris McDaniel:  Look at this picture.  This guy is straight out of Central Casting.  The hair, the suit, the lapel pin.  Jeez, is this guy trying or what?  I thought I saw him on House of Cards the other day.  He's the Thomas "T-Rav" Ravenel of Mississippi, without the felony conviction.  McDaniel is a former radio talk show host, turned State Senator riding the wave of the Tea Party popularity to change how Washington works.  Who is his O Brother, Where Art Thou? counterpart?  

Homer Stokes:  And I say to you the great state of Mississippi cannot afford 6 more years a Thad Cochran - 6 more years of cronynism, nepotism, racialism, and service to the Innarests.  The choice is clear:  Thad Cochran, a slave to the Innarests; Chris McDaniel, servant to the little man!  Chris McDaniel is gonna sweep this state clean with the broom of reform!  The initial primary yielded a close race between the two candidates, with McDaniel narrowly edging Cochran, but neither party achieved 50% of the vote.  So how does Thad Cochran combat that?  

By opening up the primary and encouraging all Mississippians to vote in the R-U-N-N-O-F-T election.  This prompted McDaniel campaign to cry foul and urge Mississippi Republicans to ask themselves the question:

Prior to the initial primary the Cochran Campaign went on the offensive against Chris McDaniel claiming that a McDaniel's supporter/blogger broke into Senator Cochran's wife's nursing home taking her photo without her permission, which prompted the Cochran campaign to hurl claims and accusations at the McDaniel Campaign.  Most notably the accusation that....

  
While it initially looked like Cochran would lose to McDaniel in the R-U-N-N-O-F-T election, the influx of more Republican voters and even some Democrats seem to make the results of today's election far less clear.  With these new voters heading to the polls, Thad Cochran, the Old Senator, who looked DOA after the primary, has found new life, and he's bouncing around like a kid again.  

Meanwhile, the Democrats who haven't been elected to the U.S. Senate since 1982, are just sitting back watching and enjoying this mud-slinging competition gathering ammunition for the general election in November.

You can bet though with every vote counting, Thad Cochran and Chris McDaniel are heading to the polling booth today with the same plan in mind.

  
Mississippi is vastly different from anywhere else in the world.  It just is.  William Faulkner said, "To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi."  You can't really understand Mississippi, from it's turbulent past to it's uncertain future, it's a place that has to be experienced more so than understood.  The food is amazing, the people are overly friendly, and the history is as controversial and lively as the nation itself.  So what do most people outside of Mississippi, think of the Magnolia State?

The New Search & Seizure Issue That Affects Cell Phones

More than likely, unless you're an attorney or in law enforcement, you have no idea what the picture above is.  It's commonly known as a "Stingray Surveillance Device," and state and local law enforcement officials all across the country have been purchasing these devices in order to combat crime in their jurisdictions.  What is the "Stingray?"  It's an electronic device that allows police to retrieve information remotely from cell phones, in helps of tracking down suspects in crimes.

How does the Stingray work?  The Stingray is designed to act as a fake cell phone tower that once turned on will then pinpoint cell phones in an area and trick the cell phones into sending it's location to the Stingray along with data information.  This can be done even when your cell phone is not making phone calls.


A bigger issue that many people have raised, is that this technology doesn't just track cell phones of suspects; it tracks cell phones and transmits data of non-suspects who happen to be in the area of someone the police are targeting.  This obviously could lead to the discovery of information that could incriminate a person not under investigation for any crime.  


For example, the local police may use Stingray technology in hopes of tracking and gathering information about a suspected identity thief in an apartment building.  In addition to tracking the suspected identity thief's phone, they also gather information about a neighbor in the building whose phone has information on it regarding drug dealing, including names of clients, types of drugs and amounts sold, etc.  The police would likely then transfer that information to the appropriate unit and then begin an investigation on the drug dealer as well.  Opponents of the technology assert that this potential information discovered would be inadmissible in court as the information was obtained inadvertently and without probable cause.  Law enforcement advocates point out though that information that is gathered through the device that is not deemed beneficial to crime prevention is quickly discarded and deleted, thereby eliminating the potential for abuse.


While the vast majority of Americans would have no problem with this type of technology being used in foreign countries by our intelligence agencies to combat terror, there has been a blow back from civil liberties groups and criminal defense attorneys claiming that this technology is being used by state and local law enforcement in violation of the 4th Amendment's protection from Unreasonable Search and Seizure.  So, which states are currently using this technology?  

Currently, law enforcement officials in only a handful of states have purchased the technology, but those states are often some of the most populous.  There's currently litigation pending in the courts regarding this issue, and sooner rather than later we'll likely have an official determination on the constitutionality of this new technology.  

That having been said, this technology is not going away, and it would be naive and foolish to think the courts are going to outright ban the use of Stingray Surveillance Devices.  Most likely the court will do what they normally do in cases such as this; they will carve out an exception to the 4th Amendment, where they allow the use of the device, but put restrictions on the use of it.  Conservatives and law enforcement officials will praise the ruling as a victory for justice and order, while Liberals and civil liberties advocates will ultimately condemn the overall ruling, but try and highlight the fact that law enforcement now has to jump through more hoops than they originally did in order to convict a suspect when using the Stingray device.  


The immediate fallout from the ruling will also be substantial.  The ruling will of course increase the use of Stingray technology as local and state law enforcement officials purchase the newly mandated crime prevention devices.  Additionally, it will increase the appeals and challenges to the use of the technology as criminal defense attorneys claim the technology was not implemented in the proper manner by which the courts intended.  Local and state law enforcement officials will be required to go through extensive training regarding the use of the surveillance equipment, and prosecutors will also have to familiarize themselves with the process to ensure defendants are not acquitted on procedural technicalities that allow evidence to be excluded.  

Technology always grows faster than the law, creating reactive litigation and judicial rulings that are often outdated as a new form of technology supplants devices the law was designed to restrict.  We'll continue to see further instruments implemented to combat crime and subsequent challenges to the way in which those instruments are utilized.  

World Cup: We Love Ya!

The World Cup began this week, and I'm a typical American soccer fan in that I don't pay attention to soccer at all, except during the World Cup.  Well, the World Cup is here and at least we don't have to deal with the vuvuzelas for the foreseeable future.  I'd rather attend a middle school recital than hear that sound again for a month.  No one seems to give the American team a chance, and we've obviously got an uphill battle considering the World Cup is being played in Brazil, and they are the heavy favorite to take home the cup.  Still, here's some interesting facts about the U.S. Men's National Team and their fans.

The image above is one of the logos associated with the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team, and honestly it's pretty damn cool.  The logo is clearly a throwback to the Revolutionary War era with a rattlesnake interlocked with the soccer ball.  If you look in the stands, you'll see a variety of American flags ranging from Don't Tread On Me to Don't Give Up The Ship (personal favorite), but more importantly you'll see the American Outlaws.

The American Outlaws are the super fans of the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team.  It is pretty apparent that soccer takes a back seat to other sports in the United States, and for years even when we had geographic home field advantage, the opposing team's fans often outnumbered American fans.  So in 2007, to combat this problem and drum up support for American soccer, the American Outlaws were born in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Since that time, the soccer super fans have spread to over 125 official chapters throughout the country.  

Chances are there's an American Outlaws chapter near your home town.  The image above is the one for my hometown in Wilmington, NC with the Battleship USS North Carolina, guns drawn protecting the Port City.  If you want to find out if your town has a chapter here is the link. 

 http://www.theamericanoutlaws.com/chapters

 Soccer Chants are one of the many things that make soccer a much more enjoyable sport than most people think.  I couldn't have cared less about soccer until I went to England during the 2006 World Cup.  Being there, I completely got inundated with soccer for weeks, and it won me over.  Imagine if the Superbowl, World Series, Stanley Cup, and NBA Finals were all merged together as one sport.  That's what the World Cup is to the rest of the world.  The American Outlaws have come up with some great chants, my favorite of which is "We Love Ya."  Here is that chant along with the link to some others you can memorize before the game tonight.

http://old.theamericanoutlaws.com/events/chants


WE LOVE YA                                          
We love ya, we love ya, we love ya,                    
Where you go we'll follow                              
We'll follow, we'll follow                                       
'Cuz we support the US                                        
The US, the US,                                                    
That's the way we like it,                                     
We like it, we like it,                                             
Woooooooaaahhhhhhhhh!                                     
                                                                                

I'll spare the heartbreak of going into the fact that Landon Donovan wasn't picked for this U.S. World Cup team.  Let's hope one of the guys picked to replace him comes through, but the guy is a legend.  Clint Dempsey is the most recognizable name on this U.S. Team, though, goalkeeper Tim Howard and 26 year old midfielder Michael Bradley are also poised to be major factors for the Americans in this World Cup.  Jurgen Klinsmann, the U.S. Coach, doesn't think the U.S. National Team can win it all, and he's likely right, but you don't say that.  Especially, when you're getting paid millions of dollars to make sure the U.S. does win it all.   It's going to be a tough road to hoe, but I'm of the mindset "Let's go to Brazil and ruin some dreams!"  

The American team has been given a tough draw and have been placed in the aptly named "Group of Death" with Germany, Portugal, and Ghana.  The first match is tonight, 6/16/14 against Ghana.  Check your local American Outlaws website for the best place to see the game.  #BeatGhana

  

Why Caddyshack Is The Best Sports Movie Ever Made

If you haven seen Caddyshack, you haven't seen THE classic sports movie.  It has everything, drama, action, romance, a grown man living out a childhood fantasy, and some of the most memorable lines in cinema history.  So without further delay let's see why this is the best sports movie ever made.

1.  Carl Spackler - Cinderella Story:  This scene of a grown man living out his fantasy of winning The Masters is arguably the best of the film.  There's not a single golfer out there who's seen a row of flowers and not thought of reliving this scene.  The film has a ton of other great moments from Bill, like this one below, but the Cinderella Story wins out.

2.  Judge Smails:  His character is so hilarious it's impossible not to like him regardless of how horrible he is as a person.  Other than Rodney Dangerfield's character Ted Knight's lines and portrayal of a cranky old judge steal the movie.  Below are some of the best.

    *  Gambling is illegal at Bushwood sir, and I never slice.

    *  You'll get nothing and like it!

    *  I've sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber.  Didn't want to do it.  I felt I owed it to them.

3.  Al Czervik - Anytime he is on screen:  Rodney Dangerfield's character is a noveau riche developer, who thinks golf courses and cemeteries are the biggest waste of prime real estate in the world.  He doesn't care at all who he offends or upsets, because he can simply buy his way out of trouble.  Below are some of his best quotes.

      * This steak still has marks where the jockey was hitting it.

      *  This is your grandson huh?  Wonderful boy, nice boy.  Now I know why tigers eat their young.

      *  Last time I saw a mouth like that, it had a hook in it.

4.  I'd keep playing, I don't think the heavy stuff is going to come down for quite a while:  If you've ever played a sport in bad weather, and you're on a hot streak then you know how important it is to never mess with a streak.  His excellency knows that all too well, but you also don't call out God when you make a bad shot.

5.  The Pool Scene:  Who knew giving caddies 15 minutes of pool time would result in absolute chaos?  The initial outset of the scene with caddies running and diving into the pool, the entrance of Lacey Underall, the attempt at synchronized swimming, and finally the infamous Baby Ruth incident, make this one of the funniest 5 minutes in movie history.

If you haven't seen the film, do yourself a favor and take an afternoon and watch it.  There won't be any money in it for you, but after your done, you'll receive total consciousness.  So you'll have that going for you...which is nice.

Flag Day: America, Democracy, Freedom

Today is Flag Day.  It was created in 1916 by President Wilson, after he issued a proclamation declaring June 14th to be Flag Day.  This day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States which occurred in 1777.

We've had many versions of the America flag since the creation of our republic, all of which carry their own story and uniqueness. The flag is a symbol of everything we stand for and the sacrifices those who came before us made so that we can enjoy those freedoms.  Americans are encouraged to display the U.S. Flag today (you're also encouraged to display it the other 364 days of the year).

Enjoy Flag Day, and celebrate a symbol of our greatness.

Life Advice From A Classic Film: Dumb & Dumber

Few cinematic masterpieces eloquently illustrate the trials and struggles of the human experience.  One of those wonders is the film Dumb & Dumber.  It's a comedic tale about two below average individuals who make a cross country trek to complete the noblest of tasks:  Returning a missing briefcase to a stranger in need.  The film not only captures our hearts, but more importantly fills the viewer with life lessons and parables that only experience can teach.  

1.  You only get one chance to make a first impression:  When meeting a stranger for the first time, try not to presume where they are from, unless you are absolutely sure.   

2.  Offering a lady dinner is not always met with a positive outcome:  If you've offered a lady dinner, and she declines, it is best to politely thank her and exit the situation.

3.  Try and focus on the positive accomplishments in your relationship:  Relationships are often a myriad of highs and lows, so you need to focus on the good and try and stay upbeat.

4.  Encourage your friends when they are going through a tough time:  We all go through difficult times in our personal and professional lives, but a true friend will be there through thick and thin to always lift your spirits.

5.  When times are at their toughest, that's when you find your true character:  It's easy to be upbeat when things are going well.  But, a person finds who they truly are when the times around them are the darkest.

6.  Always have your buddy's back when he's in trouble:  One of the building blocks of our society is the well established tradition that when one of your friends is in trouble you stand beside them to help them overcome the obstacle, because you know they'd do the same for you.

7.  When dealing with the authorities, always be polite and respectful:  You're never going to have a good experience if you're rude to police officers.  It's far more beneficial to everyone to be overly polite and complimentary.

8.  Not all beer tastes good:  Beer is often an acquired taste, but once you decide to have a cold one, make sure it's high quality.  You'll appreciate it in the end.  

9.  Be attentive to what your significant other tells you:  One of the biggest reasons relationships fail is because at least one party isn't showing enough attention to the other party.  So make sure you're attentive and listen to your partner.

10.  Never miss the chance to meet new people:  Life is a series of moments and interactions.  It's always important to make the most of each and every moment; you'll never know who you'll meet or what you'll discover.

11.  When traveling to new locations, make sure to dress for the climate:  Do some research before your trip and figure out what the locals typically wear and what type of climate you're headed to.

12.  Take pride in your wardrobe:  Everyone's style is different.  It's our uniqueness that makes us distinctly human.  The saying goes to never judge a book by it's cover.  But in actuality when you've got an awesome cover it can mean many more people will want to discover what's inside.

13.  Remember where you are and what your behavior says about you:  People behave differently in different situations.  Therefore, it's vitally important that your behavior matches your locale and company.

14.  Always tip the staff:  Many service industry workers make below minimum wage and they rely on tips to help make up the difference.  So the next time someone helps you out, make sure you tip to generously tip them.  They'll be sure to make your experience the better for it.

15.  When having drinks with a friend, remember to be respectful:  Not everyone's story is interesting to you, but it is interesting to them.  So, listen to what they have to say and try and at least pretend like you're interested.  It's not only courteous, but will really mean a lot to the storyteller.

16.  Snowball fights have no rules:  If engaged in a snowball fight, it's perfectly acceptable to meet your opponent's initial confrontation with superior force and artillery.  

17.  Temper your expectations:  Just because you shoot for the stars doesn't mean you're going to even get off the ground.  It's great to be upbeat and optimistic, just don't let that optimism morph into unreasonable expectations.

18.  Pay your debts:  Society measures a man by how he upholds his agreements.  If you borrow money, do everything in your power to satisfy the debt you've incurred.  

19.  Try not to be jealous of others:  We all have things we can be jealous about, but rather than being jealous of others' happiness, or possessions, or success, it's more rewarding to count the ways in which you've been blessed and to thank the Good Lord for what you've accomplished.

20. Try and see the upside to every decision you've made:  We all second guess past decisions we've made, but those decisions define who we are, and though we might not think we've always made the right choice, things often have a way of working out in the end.

I hope you've enjoyed these parables and advice on life.  I hope you're richer for the experience of having read them, and I hope the visual aides helped to enhance the meaning of each lesson.